Phased Array Antenna Switching Communication Modes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing three-dimensional mesh networks require multiple radio devices for line-of-sight, over-the-horizon, and aerial-vehicle communications, making them cumbersome and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A radio communication apparatus with a phased array antenna that can switch among line-of-sight, over-the-horizon, and aerial-vehicle communication modes using a single device, employing multi-dimensional processing and multiple access techniques like TDMA, FDMA, SDMA, and CDMA to establish data links in the same frequency band.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple radio devices are installed for LOS, OH, and AV communications, then communication quality is maintained, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication qualityVSAvoidnumber of radio devices

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The phased array antenna is designed to perform multiple communication functions (LOS, OH, and AV communications) through a single device. By controlling the beam direction and characteristics, the antenna can adapt to different communication modes, eliminating the need for separate radio devices for each mode while maintaining communication quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The phased array antenna dynamically adjusts its beam characteristics to switch between different communication modes. The antenna can change its radiation pattern and beam direction in real-time to accommodate LOS, OH, and AV communication requirements, providing adaptability without requiring multiple fixed radio devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If multiple radio devices are installed for different communication modes, then communication reliability is improved, but frequency band requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidfrequency band requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The phased array antenna operates in a single frequency band but achieves multiple communication functions through spatial beam control. This eliminates the need for multiple frequency bands that would be required if separate radio devices were used for each communication mode.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using different frequency bands for different communication modes, the invention transitions to the spatial dimension by using beam forming and direction control. The phased array antenna achieves mode differentiation through spatial characteristics rather than frequency differentiation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If separate radio devices are used for each communication mode, then communication quality is maintained, but system adaptability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication qualityVSAvoidsystem adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The phased array antenna provides dynamic adaptability by electronically controlling beam direction and characteristics. The system can quickly switch between LOS, OH, and AV communication modes by adjusting phase and amplitude weights, providing high versatility without the rigidity of fixed radio devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system achieves adaptability by changing the electrical parameters (phase and amplitude) of the antenna elements rather than physically changing hardware. This allows the single phased array antenna to adapt to different communication modes by modifying its radiation pattern parameters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables efficient construction of data links for various communication modes without the need for multiple radio devices, reducing complexity and frequency band requirements while maintaining communication quality.

Implementation Method 1

a line-of-sight communication processing part that controls a beam from a phased array antenna to establish a line-of-sight communication

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhased Array Beam Steering:

Data Source

PatentUS8682265B2Radio communication apparatus, radio network system, and data link construction method used for the same

Publication Date: 2014.03.25 NEC CORP

AI summary

The present invention provides a radio communication apparatus that does not need installation of multiple radio devices in a communication node and requires only a single radio device to construct a data link of any of line-of-sight communication, over-the-horizon communication and aerial-vehicle communication. A radio communication apparatus includes a line-of-sight communication processing part that controls a beam from a phased array antenna to establish a line-of-sight communication, which is used when there is no obstacle in a radio transmission channel, an over-the-horizon communication processing part that controls the beam from the phased array antenna to establish an over-the-horizon communication, which is used when there is an obstacle in the radio transmission channel, and an aerial-vehicle communication processing part that controls the beam from the phased array antenna to establish an aerial-vehicle communication, which is used for communication with a communication node on a flying object, and the phased array antenna switches among the line-of-sight communication, the over-the-horizon communication and the aerial-vehicle communication.